Somebody needs to keep track of Santa Claus as he makes his way around the globe Christmas Eve, and, once again, NORAD has stepped up to the plate. This year they're providing radar coverage and up-to-the-minute info on his every move.

Volunteer military personnel work into the wee hours of the night tracking St. Nick on special equipment that pinpoints his location on Google Maps and Google Earth. "Santa Cams" catch him in action as he criss-crosses the Earth in his sleigh and, if you watch closely, you'll even get to see Santa do a flyby of the International Space Station.

Santa trackers issue regular reports on the web site as the Big Guy stops at various countries on his way to the United States; the trackers also remind kids about the importance of going to bed so he doesn't have to skip the homes of boys and girls that are still wide awake. (How convenient!) The trackers also keep busy answering live phone calls and emails from kids around the country who call or write in with questions. You can also track Santa in Google Earth, visit m.noradsanta.org on your mobile device, or just search for "Santa" on Google Maps on your phone.

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NORAD's holiday web site is already up and running with games and activities, but the real fun begins at 12:00 a.m. MST on December 24th. That's when the Santa Cams flip on and viewers can watch Santa and his elves get the sleigh and reindeer ready to go out for the night.

Be sure to check out the video compilation of scenes from last year's cams to see some of the places NORAD caught Santa last year. If you've never visited the NORAD Santa Tracker on Christmas, you really must do so. It's so cool that you'll want to make it a holiday tradition.